6spd clutch not engaging

[nctacoma]

So I have an early 99, build date of 6/98

Was driving from Minnesota to New Jersey this weekend. Truck was running great all weekend, was picking up a truck camper, so about 3500lbs more weight than normal.

I go to pull into a rest stop and clutch won't engage to pull it out of gear. I get it stopped, pee and then try to figure it out. No leaks visible, nothing.

I can't get the clutch to engage to allow me to shift into gears while the engine is on. Will run through the gears with engine off.

I get it moving and then drive the last 1.5 hours without the clutch, luckily I didn't have to start.
Waiting for tow truck now, any ideas on what it could be?

[jethro]

maybe the bushing in the cab? not sure if the 99 had them or not.

[mr_squishy]

Sounds like your clutch is not disengaging or your pilot bearing seized and it still turning the input shaft of the trans. Did you check and see if your clutch reservoir is full? Is it real easy to push or feels spongy? You may have air in the hydraulic clutch pedal system. It's pretty easy to bleed.
Fill the clutch reservoir with DOT3 brake fluid (little round plastic can next to the brake booster) then crawl under the truck on the drivers side, disconnect the salve cylinder from the bell housing (should be a quarter turn then pull) and slowly push in the plunger, hold for 10 seconds, slowly release, wait ten seconds, then repeat. Do this about 5 times. There is an internal spring that should push it back out and give resistance. That should bleed it out for ya.

[nctacoma]

The reservoir was full and there were no leaks evident. The pedal feel didn't change.

I will try bleeding it, that sounds really easy.

[Mark S W]

Sounds like the piston seals on the clutch cylinder are shot. The pedal spring will make it feel like there is no difference. This happened to my 99 350 with a 7.3l No warning at all

[ipz2222]

Possible dampner spring broke in the clutch. It will lock the clutch to the pressure plate.

[Late '99 6-speed]

Originally Posted by ipz2222

Possible dampner spring broke in the clutch. It will lock the clutch to the pressure plate.

Yep, same thing happened to me. I was on a long road trip and a damper spring flew out of the clutch hub and locked the clutch to the pressure plate. I never heard a noise, felt a vibration or anything. It's a common problem with the OEM 3-damper spring clutches. Be sure to replace it with an aftermarket clutch with a better damper setup. There are plenty available.